HR Director

People Puzzles; Stockton-on-Tees; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic HR Director to join their innovative team. This role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with SME businesses, providing impactful HR solutions that drive transformation and growth. You will leverage your extensive HR expertise and strategic insight to influence at the board level and build strong relationships with clients. Emphasizing a collaborative culture, this position allows for flexibility while ensuring high-quality service delivery. If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Continuous professional development

Supportive team culture

Remote work options

Qualifications

• Proven experience in business strategy and partnering with senior executives.
• Senior-level experience in corporate or SME environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of HR solutions including strategic HR planning and culture change.
• Manage client portfolios ensuring first-class HR service delivery.

Skills

HR expertise

Business strategy integration

Stakeholder management

Leadership development

Organizational design

Change management

Diversity & Inclusion (D&I)

Talent management

Wellbeing programs

Continuous professional development (CPD)

Education

CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent

Tools

HR software

Job description

Commercial, dynamic, energetic, creative, curious, pragmatic, influential, inspiring, empathetic. Do these words describe you? If yes, then this is a fantastic opportunity to join and collaborate with like-minded HR Director superstars in the People Puzzles community.

Where?

Our Yorkshire team is now looking to add a new member. Ideally based in York or Harrogate, you will be well positioned to work with clients in Teesside (Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, and Darlington), and south towards Leeds, Hull, and the surrounding areas.

Who are you?

You are a successful CPO/People/HR Director passionate about helping businesses unlock their potential through impactful people solutions. You might be seeking an alternative to corporate life, eager to work with SME businesses and entrepreneurial leaders.

You possess strong HR expertise, coupled with a deep understanding of business strategy and its integration with People strategies.

You may desire more control over your work life, have some consulting experience, and are looking to deepen your engagement. You thrive on collaboration and wish to be part of a network of like-minded People Directors supporting each other and SME owners.

You excel at building trusting relationships at all levels, influencing at board level, and maintaining excellent stakeholder management skills. You often exceed expectations and aim to impress.

Seeking a flexible work-life balance with good earning potential, you want autonomy and the support of a thriving national company to achieve your goals.

You enjoy fast-paced environments, discovering innovative solutions, and engaging everyone in the process. Essentially, you're a catalyst for action, leveraging your intelligence, charisma, and energy to get things done.

And what about us?

We are a team of dedicated people experts and a prestigious, award-winning leader in the People Director space across the UK. Our mission is to deliver strategic HR services and transformative people solutions that make a real difference in the lives of SMEs. With nearly 90 Portfolio People Directors and over 200 clients, our impact is significant—and we're expanding!

Requirements

Main Responsibilities:

1. Lead the delivery of HR solutions, including business and strategic HR planning, culture change, transformation, change management, leadership development, organisational design, D&I, wellbeing, L&D, and Talent Management.
2. Manage your portfolio of clients, working collaboratively with the team to ensure first-class HR service delivery.
3. Support client acquisition efforts in partnership with the Regional Director and marketing team.

Skills & Experience:

1. Proven experience contributing to business strategy and partnering with Boards and senior executives.
2. Senior-level experience (permanent or consulting) within corporate, SME, or investor-backed environments.
3. Ideally CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent.
4. A natural people person with leadership skills and relationship-building capabilities.
5. Ability to connect with and influence SME business owners.
6. Organised, dependable, embracing technology and innovative work methods.
7. Business-minded, strategic, pragmatic, and hands-on when needed.
8. Excellent listener and questioner, committed to adding value daily.

Benefits

We emphasize a 'Team' culture, attracting individuals eager to contribute to our local and national teams.

Our community of People Directors offers support and shared learning. Strategic partnerships further enhance our services.

Continuous professional development (CPD) is prioritized, with tailored offerings to foster innovation and growth.

Our core values—win/win, passion, continuous learning, and pragmatism—are central to our culture. We seek individuals aligned with these values.

Our creative marketing team generates opportunities, allowing you to focus on client results.

Our sales team handles client acquisition, but your support and effort will increase your success.

This role is ideal for an experienced professional or consultant capable of delivering high-quality HR services to SMEs in South Yorkshire. Some remote work is possible, but most client engagements are onsite, so proximity to the listed areas is preferred.

Shortlisted candidates will undergo behavioral assessments and background checks.